Need advice about FP+ selections due to ECV

[GenGen22]

So I am confused on what to do. This is my first trip to WDW using a ECV and also the first time having to book FP+. So stressful planning this much in advance. I'm a DL veteran and when on vacation we don't plan like you do at WDW. Anyhow, since there will be F&G at Epcot we have now decided to use the express transportation to hop from Epcot to AK. Originally I wanted to spend the day at AK but have changed my mind due to F&G. We have an ADR at 1900 Park Fare at 10:20am as we are not rope drop people and were thinking to head to Epcot after that to check out the F & G and then hop to AK in the late afternoon/early evening. So, I am not sure because I cannot stand in line as I have a bad knee so,I'm not sure what FP+ selections I need to get for this day. I really want to go on the Kilimanjaro Safari and this was one of the FP selections I was going to make but not sure which to select. We also want Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids but am thinking maybe I don't need my FP for this park and to use them on Soarin or Frozen. Can someone give me some advice? I am so confused and have to reserve these next week. We also have an ADR at the Spirit of Aloha at 8:15pm as well. I'm really hoping for longer hours and maybe I should move my Spirit of Aloha ADR to 5:15pm? This is for Friday 5/12/17.

I posted this in the disabilities forum and they suggested I post this here. I really want to know if because I have a ECV do they require you to have a FP for rides or do they let you in the FP line like they do at DL because I cannot stand for a long period of time because of my knee. TIA for any and all advise.

 

[hiroMYhero]

So I am confused on what to do. This is my first trip to WDW using a ECV and also the first time having to book FP+. So stressful planning this much in advance. I'm a DL veteran and when on vacation we don't plan like you do at WDW. Anyhow, since there will be F&G at Epcot we have now decided to use the express transportation to hop from Epcot to AK. Originally I wanted to spend the day at AK but have changed my mind due to F&G. We have an ADR at 1900 Park Fare at 10:20am as we are not rope drop people and were thinking to head to Epcot after that to check out the F & G and then hop to AK in the late afternoon/early evening. So, I am not sure because I cannot stand in line as I have a bad knee so,I'm not sure what FP+ selections I need to get for this day. I really want to go on the Kilimanjaro Safari and this was one of the FP selections I was going to make but not sure which to select. We also want Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids but am thinking maybe I don't need my FP for this park and to use them on Soarin or Frozen. Can someone give me some advice? I am so confused and have to reserve these next week. We also have an ADR at the Spirit of Aloha at 8:15pm as well. I'm really hoping for longer hours and maybe I should move my Spirit of Aloha ADR to 5:15pm? This is for Friday 5/12/17.

I posted this in the disabilities forum and they suggested I post this here. I really want to know if because I have a ECV do they require you to have a FP for rides or do they let you in the FP line like they do at DL because I cannot stand for a long period of time because of my knee. TIA for any and all advise.

What some ECV users do is use a combination of FPs and the DAS card. You'd have to pick up a DAS card at Guest Relations and it will allow you to be accommodated in the ride lines if an ECV can maneuver within the queue.

With such a late start in Epcot, you may want to use your DAS card there and reserve FPs for AK. The DAS serves as a FP of sorts as it gives you a return time. The DAS is better explained on the DisABILITIES board than by me.

The Safari line can get backed up if animals are in the roadway. We had a FP and were on the ride within 15 minutes. Guests in the Standby line had been waiting for 2 hours due to the animal issue.

I would move Spirit of Aloha to earlier unless you have visited Hawaii before - then Cancel.

 

[GenGen22]

What some ECV users do is use a combination of FPs and the DAS card. You'd have to pick up a DAS card at Guest Relations and it will allow you to be accommodated in the ride lines if an ECV can maneuver within the queue.

With such a late start in Epcot, you may want to use your DAS card there and reserve FPs for AK. The DAS serves as a FP of sorts as it gives you a return time. The DAS is better explained on the DisABILITIES board than by me.

The Safari line can get backed up if animals are in the roadway. We had a FP and were on the ride within 15 minutes. Guests in the Standby line had been waiting for 2 hours due to the animal issue.

I would move Spirit of Aloha to earlier unless you have visited Hawaii before - then Cancel.

We have never been to Hawaii before or a Luau so, we wanted to experience it. I think I will move it. Thanks for your advice, I appreciate it!

 

[lanejudy]

I really want to know if because I have a ECV do they require you to have a FP for rides or do they let you in the FP line like they do at DL because I cannot stand for a long period of time because of my knee.

The vast majority of attraction queues at WDW are mainstreamed, which means mobility devices can go through the standby or FP+ queue. There are a few (mainly at MK) which are not accessible and may give "wheelchair return times" to return to a designated alternate entrance. I say "may" because it depends on the logistics at that ride at that time; the purpose of return times is to keep the alternate entrance from being jammed up with mobility devices, so it depends how busy they are.

DAS will only be granted if you have "other" needs not met by use of the mobility device. The majority of users with wheelchairs or ECVs do not qualify for a DAS.

Post #11 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread pinned near the top of the disABILITIES Forum has information about which attractions may use an alternate entrance. There are also posts within that thread specific to accessibility at each of the 4 major theme parks. You might also want to make note of the few that do not allow an ECV and will provide a wheelchair to use in the queue.

Of the rides you mentioned:

• Kilimanjaro Safari has an accessible queue, though there is a pull-off for those with a mobility device. The wait for the accessible vehicle can be long, and whether they may pull forward guests who can transfer to a regular seat may vary.
• Expedition Everest has an accessible queue, though you will need to transfer from the ECV for the ride itself.
• Kali River Rapids is also an accessible queue. You will need to transfer, but they have a pull-off and a raft is pulled to the side for stationary boarding at this area because the main boarding area is constantly moving.
• Soarin has an accessible queue. Again, you will need to transfer for the ride itself as there is no accessible vehicle.
• Frozen - I haven't been to the new ride but I believe the queue is accessible. Be aware that access in/out of the ride vehicle has been reported to be very challenging for those with some mobility issues.

Since I believe FP+ can only be pre-booked for one park per day, you'll need to decide if you want to do them at Epcot or AK that day, and maybe chance same-day FP at the second park. But with regards to the ECV I don't think that will have any impact on your access to the rides as the queues you've mentioned are all accessible.

Enjoy your vacation!

 

[bdarling]

Thank you for commenting on the accessibility of lines. I have used the old GAC system before for my son who is totally dependent with CP and other medical issues. He is staying home this trip but my DH has since been diagnosed with Parkinson's and will be using a ECV for endurance issues. My BIL will also use one for endurance as well.

We plan to have them stay in the vehicles for any line waits, but if the FP returns are shorter they may walk.

I recall reading on the disability forum that the distance of the Soarin line is a quarter mile one way! So glad you can stay in the ECV for that one.

I will go back to that FAQ to make note of accessible ride lines now that I am only a month out.

 

[GenGen22]

The vast majority of attraction queues at WDW are mainstreamed, which means mobility devices can go through the standby or FP+ queue. There are a few (mainly at MK) which are not accessible and may give "wheelchair return times" to return to a designated alternate entrance. I say "may" because it depends on the logistics at that ride at that time; the purpose of return times is to keep the alternate entrance from being jammed up with mobility devices, so it depends how busy they are.

DAS will only be granted if you have "other" needs not met by use of the mobility device. The majority of users with wheelchairs or ECVs do not qualify for a DAS.

Post #11 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread pinned near the top of the disABILITIES Forum has information about which attractions may use an alternate entrance. There are also posts within that thread specific to accessibility at each of the 4 major theme parks. You might also want to make note of the few that do not allow an ECV and will provide a wheelchair to use in the queue.

Of the rides you mentioned:

• Kilimanjaro Safari has an accessible queue, though there is a pull-off for those with a mobility device. The wait for the accessible vehicle can be long, and whether they may pull forward guests who can transfer to a regular seat may vary.
• Expedition Everest has an accessible queue, though you will need to transfer from the ECV for the ride itself.
• Kali River Rapids is also an accessible queue. You will need to transfer, but they have a pull-off and a raft is pulled to the side for stationary boarding at this area because the main boarding area is constantly moving.
• Soarin has an accessible queue. Again, you will need to transfer for the ride itself as there is no accessible vehicle.
• Frozen - I haven't been to the new ride but I believe the queue is accessible. Be aware that access in/out of the ride vehicle has been reported to be very challenging for those with some mobility issues.

Since I believe FP+ can only be pre-booked for one park per day, you'll need to decide if you want to do them at Epcot or AK that day, and maybe chance same-day FP at the second park. But with regards to the ECV I don't think that will have any impact on your access to the rides as the queues you've mentioned are all accessible.

Enjoy your vacation!

This is good to know. Thanks for sharing. I'll try using fp as a priority. I don't want to miss out on attractions I want to experience by not utilizing it mostly.